Parental consent no longer required in non-violent juvenile offender program, sheriff says

TAMPA, Fla. - A program in Hillsborough meant to help young, non-violent offenders remain out of jail, will now include all misdemeanor juvenile offenses, and a parental consent is no longer required.

During a press conference, Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister announced the following changes to the Juvenile Arrest Avoidance Program: 

• All misdemeanor juvenile offenses are now eligible for a civil citation, under JAAP 
• Parental consent is also no longer required for eligibility 
• Deputies are required to discuss other options like JAAP for arrests under the age of 12

"Previously, children were unable to participate because we were unable to reach their parent," Chronister explained. "This change allows all children an opportunity afforded by this program."
 

He added that if a juvenile under the age of 12 is being considered for an arrest or to join the program, the deputy must consult a guardian, or a teacher if the offense occurred on school property.

"We're very optimistic that these changes will reduce barriers and increase access to this successful program," Chronister said.

Through the program, first-time offenders who are under the age of 18 can avoid an arrest, and receive a civil citation instead. Plus, they can receive a variety of alternative sanctions, such as counseling and drug treatment."

Five offenses that are not eligible are battery, assault on an official, violation of injunction, DUI and racing. The exceptions have been part of the program prior to Thursday's announced.

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Hillsborough County Public Defender Julianne Holt said an arrest record for a child would be detrimental to their future.

"It literally stops their life cold," she said. "It changes their opportunity for the military. It changes their opportunity for scholarships. It changes their opportunity for employment."

Holt said minority communities are impacted more than others when it comes to youth arrests.

"We say to those communities, 'We are partners to you to assure you," she said, "that your youth will have opportunities across the board.'"